The FINAL CUT Feed Chopper, a new revolutionary bale processor attachment that helps maximize feed intake and minimize waste and spoilage while offering dairy and beef producers more freedom, more control and a versatile alternative to the hassles of large-scale contract grinding, is now available from Vermeer Corporation.
The Vermeer FINAL CUT Feed Chopper (designed to work exclusively on Vermeer BP8000 Bale Processors) chops long, course, stringy, frozen or wet material to a shorter cut length - typically 3" or less - for better utilization in livestock feeding and bedding.
With the Vermeer FINAL CUT Feed Chopper attachment, producers are now able to provide more palatable, easier-to-digest livestock feed in a uniform particle size that reduces waste and improves digestion. It also allows the operator to produce TMR-ready chopped forages and take advantage of ethanol co-products. The versatile attachment can also be easily disengaged by the operator to produce longer lengths for regular processing, bedding and erosion control.
"The FINAL CUT Feed Chopper does a great job, even on frozen bales, stalky alfalfa, long stringy slough grass, green oats, high moisture baled silage and most types of baled material," says Vermeer Forage Solutions Product Director Joe Michaels.
"One of the biggest advantages is control, because now livestock producers have the freedom to process what they want and do it when they want to, without having to accommodate the schedules or meet the minimums typically required by custom grinding operations. Instead, they can process all types of forages - cornstalks, hay, straw and alfalfa - on an as-needed basis at a controlled rate; and windrow it in pastures, or blow it into feed bunks or mixer wagons on their own schedules. This reduces the risk of spoilage, which often happens if custom ground material is processed and stored in poorly protected piles. It also results in fewer 'fines', because unlike large-scale grinders, almost nothing is left at the bottom of the tub.
"It's easy to chew, easy to digest, and it delivers a more nutritional product for the herd -all key factors for feed efficiency and profitability. Plus, it may be a more economical alternative if you're processing and feeding 500 to 1,000 round bales a year," Michaels added.
The FINAL CUT Feed Chopper also improves bedding conditions. Shorter "final cut" material lasts longer, spreads better and is easier on manure-handling equipment. And because of the secondary cutting action, it also does a better job of processing a wider variety of bedding crop material for stalls, hoop barns, etc.
The FINAL CUT Feed Chopper features 128 free-swing cutting blades mounted to a powered rotor bar that turns at speeds up to 3,000 rpm. The blades are also reversible for longer life.
The attachment also works in conjunction with an optional 28-bushel grain tank that feeds grain, pellets or concentrates directly into the bale processor. This allows beef and dairy producers to create a more balanced diet in a mixed ration that cattle can't easily sort. A hydraulically driven auger-style discharge system requires just a minimum of 6 gpm hydraulic flow (27.3L/min) to operate the grain tank. Standard extendable axles offer excellent stability. A full width lid provides easy access for loading the grain or pellets.
Vermeer Corporation manufactures a full line of haying equipment including large round balers, mowers, mower/conditioners, rakes, tedders, bale processors, silage wrappers, bale movers and hay handling equipment; plus a wide assortment of industrial equipment for tree, construction, environmental and underground utility service work.
For more information on Vermeer Agricultural equipment, log into the Vermeer Ag website at www.vermeerag.com
